Thailand is looking to diversify its oil imports from Africa and the Americas due to potential disruptions in Middle Eastern supplies. Energy Minister Atthapol Rerkpiboon stated that the first shipments from these new regions are expected by April. This decision aligns with concerns over rising global oil prices, which have increased by about 7% to between $75 and $85 per barrel.

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Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, focusing on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, pivotal for global oil transit. Although not closed, tensions could lead to further supply challenges. As a precaution, Thailand is considering a temporary ban on crude oil and refined petroleum product exports to secure domestic reserves.

A National Security Council meeting on Tuesday, chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, evaluated these potential impacts. The meeting included key government and military officials, highlighting the severity of the situation. Notably, Laos would remain exempt from any export bans due to Thailand's dependency on its hydropower.

Electricity demand in Thailand is predicted to surge in April, during the dry season. The Electricity Generating Authority plans to boost coal and hydroelectric output while delaying maintenance to maintain supply. This step aims to address the country's energy needs amidst potential global oil supply disruptions.

Thailand's oil exports primarily target Asian markets, with major destinations being Singapore, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, and China. In a bid to preserve reserves, the energy minister has encouraged the public to use public transport wherever possible, reported Thai PBS.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Thai PBS · 03 Mar 2026

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Ok, so now Thailand, and other countries, will have to get their oil from places like Venezuela (Trump just carried out regime change and took control) and Nigeria (where Trump has just sent soldiers to train their military to defend Christians).

Purely coincidence?

1 minute ago, animalmagic said:

Ok, so now Thailand, and other countries, will have to get their oil from places like Venezuela (Trump just carried out regime change and took control) and Nigeria (where Trump has just sent soldiers to train their military to defend Christians).

Purely coincidence?

Why not Russia?

5 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Why not Russia?

What?! Are you suggesting Trump is doing this to help the Russian economy. OMG!!

That goes completely against his principles.

3 minutes ago, animalmagic said:

What?! Are you suggesting Trump is doing this to help the Russian economy. OMG!!

That goes completely against his principles.

No, he did it to get the best price on the Venezuelan stuff he acquired.

But THailand has no issue with Russia and if they can get it shipped it can replace the Emirates stuff they usually get.

This could quickly erupt to panic buying by alarming news/posts on social media.

Just seen one about packed fuel station in Phuket.

5 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

This could quickly erupt to panic buying by alarming news/posts on social media.

Just seen one about packed fuel station in Phuket.

Prices locally in Canada have went up 8 cents per liter.

18 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

This could quickly erupt to panic buying by alarming news/posts on social media.

Just seen one about packed fuel station in Phuket.

Already panic everywhere in Phuket

3 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Why not Russia?

Trump only attacks dictators who aren’t his mates, that’s why.

Putting on tin helmet and flack jacket now, plus amulet…..so any flame replies can’t hurt me.

It’s just a joke, don’t get your knickers in a twist.

50 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

This could quickly erupt to panic buying by alarming news/posts on social media.

Just seen one about packed fuel station in Phuket.

I drove from Rawai to Phuket town this morning. Every gas station I passed had a queue out into the road

46 minutes ago, wensiensheng said:

I drove from Rawai to Phuket town this morning. Every gas station I passed had a queue out into the road

The depth of stupidity.

But it's not just here. The UK government has had to advise motorists not to panic-buy and just refuel as they would normally do.

1 hour ago, blaze master said:

Prices locally in Canada have went up 8 cents per liter.

On gasoline that was bought and paid for several months ago.

No panic up here.

The government's reassurances have apparently not reached everyone down south 😁

3 hours ago, NanLaew said:

On gasoline that was bought and paid for several months ago.

Exactly. Nothing to see here keep pumping.

International air fairs have jumped substantially in the last 24 hours.

One thing guaranteed ..up goes the Baht and sticky fingers🤔

Going to need to give the taxis a limited emergency fare increase

In 2024, Canada supplied approximately 61% to 62% of total U.S. crude oil imports.

As of early 2026, Canada remained the primary source of US oil imports, with roughly 98% of Canadian crude oil production. However, POTUS Trump demands on daily unpredictable shifts for imports tariffs and various anti-sovereignty demands on Canada oil exports may cause Canada to drop its exports to US entirely by actively diversifying its export markets to send more oil to Asia such as India and China, reducing dependence on the US.

2 hours ago, Suetape said:

International air fairs have jumped substantially in the last 24 hours.

As a traveller who booked and paid the week before the storm on a flight that bypasses the middle east, all the remaining coach seats have gone and the business class ones are filling up fast. They may be getting more expensive as travellers switch from Middle East hubs, but the available class of travel has shrunk to the "front of the bus", hence higher fares.

6 hours ago, Suetape said:

International air fairs have jumped substantially in the last 24 hours.

So very glad I purchased tickets for summer travel months ago.

10 hours ago, Srikcir said:

In 2024, Canada supplied approximately 61% to 62% of total U.S. crude oil imports.

As of early 2026, Canada remained the primary source of US oil imports, with roughly 98% of Canadian crude oil production. However, POTUS Trump demands on daily unpredictable shifts for imports tariffs and various anti-sovereignty demands on Canada oil exports may cause Canada to drop its exports to US entirely by actively diversifying its export markets to send more oil to Asia such as India and China, reducing dependence on the US.

The middle power movement is surging ahead. This is an opportunity for Thailand to join the procession. Strength in numbers, diversity in markets and no more subservient reliance on US trade. Carney is showing us a better, more dignified way forward that doesn’t require bending the knee and kissing the hand that is about to screw you over. The more oil Canada can divert away from the US the sooner we can expect a fairer and sustainable trading network without tyrannical unhinged leaders imposing constant trade barriers on friendly allies. This is the world’s chance to break the US dominance and their insane attempts to reshape trade to, entirely, their own benefit.

A girl from Rayong I was interested in informed me very seriously serious that Rayong province contains world class oil reserves.